Method of editing a recorded baseball game

ABSTRACT

A method of editing a recorded baseball game for replay in a short time period in which the method comprises retaining only the last pitch thrown to each batter and any play action ensuing from said last pitch.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/878,860 filed May 10, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method applied to edit a recorded baseball game to create a condensed version of the entire game action so that the edited recording can be replayed in a time period substantially shorter than the time required for the original game. In particular, this invention relates to an algorithm or method applied to a recording to retain all significant action portions of a baseball game and show every “at bat” for every batter while eliminating extraneous time-consuming content. For each batter only the last pitch thrown for each “at bat,” i.e. turn at the plate is retained in the edited recording.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

During a baseball game, there is considerable time taken during each half inning in which there is only limited action on the field. For example, for a given player's turn at bat, there can be six or more pitches thrown before the player hits the ball into play, strikes out, or walks. In addition, there is often a great deal of time used in pick off attempts and conferences in the infield, and in changing places between half-innings. A nine-inning game can typically last between two and three hours, and sometimes longer.

Accordingly it may be highly desirable for an avid baseball fan to be able to view (or listen to) an entire game in a time span substantially reduced from the original playing time while still retaining the essential “flavor” of the game action, rather than just a summary, synopsis or highlights.

A game which is condensed in such a manner may lend itself to being distributed in any of a number of well recognized ways including via the internet, or on any suitable recording media.

By using the predetermined method as described, each resulting condensed and edited recording is consistent in its content and is not significantly affected by subjective choices of an editor. Additionally the degree of time compression of any given game remains relatively consistent in relation to the nature of the action of each individual game.

Because the method is predetermined, it is also possible to edit a recording while the game is underway since each player's last pitch can be added to the edited recording immediately after such pitch takes place. There is no need for any subjective assessment of whether play should be included in or omitted from the edited recording. This facilitates creating a complete edited recording in near “real time.”

Some additional material (e.g., narrative) can be included to explain pitching changes, pinch runners, and other substitutions that may affect play or, in the case of an audio/visual recording to replace the original audio to insure continuity of the audio portion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of editing a recorded baseball game so that the recording may be replayed in short time period.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of editing a recorded baseball game into a short time period while preserving all the significant action of the game.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of editing a recorded baseball game so that the recording may be replayed in short time period without altering the speed of actual play action.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of editing a recorded baseball game into a short time period while showing every “at-bat” of every player.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an objective method of editing a recorded baseball game into a short time period so that editing may take place while the game is underway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a recorded baseball game is edited by applying a predetermined selection method. “Recording” as used herein means a recording of visual information, audio information or a combination of the two. The basic rules and nature of a baseball game are presumed to be well known. In each player's turn at bat the player typically receives numerous pitches. However only the last pitch to each batter is retained in the edited recording along with any play action following such last pitch. This provides a record of each safe base hit, each walk, strike out, sacrifice fly, ground out, etc. The fielding would be recorded, i.e., each put-out, error, double-play, and throw-out. The resulting recording is consistently about 10 to 15 minutes for a typical nine inning game, and shows all the action of the game.

Base running activity (i.e., activity that can also result in either an out or advancement of the runner) can also be retained, such as stolen bases and attempted steals, pickoffs, rundowns, balks, and wild pitches. Some additional material (e.g., narrative) can be included to explain pitching changes, pinch runners, and other substitutions that may affect play. 

1. A method of editing a recorded baseball game by preserving only the last pitch in the edited recording along with any play action following such last pitch.
 2. A method of editing a recorded baseball game according to claim 1 where the recording is a video recording.
 3. A method of editing a recorded baseball game according to claim 1 where the recording is an audio recording
 4. A method of editing a recorded baseball game according to claim 1 where the edited recording is a video recording with added audio information.
 5. A method of editing a recorded baseball game according to claim 1 where the edited recording is created while the baseball game is in progress. 